Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPRX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: SPRXMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPRXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.04%
AUM$202M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings30568
YTD Return+21.00%+15.80%
1Y Return+40.81%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+39.75%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+19.22%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)39.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-51.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilySpearVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 3, 2021Nov 10, 2006

SPRX vs VYM Performance

Spear Alpha ETF (SPRX) is a ETF from Spear and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPRX returned +40.81% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SPRX is up 21.00% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, SPRX compounded at +39.75% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +19.22% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPRX has the edge at +19.54% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPRX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.5% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -51.2% for SPRX and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPRX charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPRX currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPRX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 585 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPRX or VYM?

SPRX has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPRX or VYM?

Over the past year SPRX returned +40.81% vs +26.12% for VYM, so SPRX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPRX annualized +19.54% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPRX or VYM?

SPRX has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPRX -51.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SPRX and VYM?

SPRX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPRX and VYM?

SPRX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 585 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPRX or VYM?

SPRX yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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